Pasta served with Clams

Delicious Mussels with Spaghetti: A Culinary Delight

To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti
• 1/4 cup of premium extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, diced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup of dry white wine
• 1 lemon, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1/2 pounds of fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste

Cooking Instructions

Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions to achieve an al dente texture, then drain and set aside.

In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; sauté for about a minute until aromatic. Pour in the white wine and introduce the lemon slices, allowing them to simmer gently.

Next, add the mussels, cover the skillet, and cook undisturbed for about five minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mussels to a large bowl, discarding any that remain closed. Keep the broth in the skillet for the next step.

If desired, remove the mussel meat from the shells and set aside; otherwise, you can leave them in their shells for serving. Bring the reserved broth back to a medium simmer, then combine in the drained spaghetti and mussels. Stir continuously for about two minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and coats the pasta evenly.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped mint, kosher salt, and black pepper, adjusting to taste as needed. For a delightful finishing touch, garnish with additional mint before serving.

Why Choose This Dish?

This delectable spaghetti dish with white wine-steamed mussels offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and light ingredients, making it suitable for both quick weeknight meals and elegant dinner parties.

The authentic touch of Senatore Cappelli wheat pasta not only enhances the dish's texture but also adds a nutty flavor. Although pasta can be obtained from specialty stores or online, feel free to use your preferred brand when making this delightful meal.

Aside from being simple to prepare, mussels are a cost-effective seafood option, generally requiring just a rinse and debearding before cooking. For best results, store them properly, and ensure they are fresh by checking for any broken shells.

Cooking the spaghetti slightly under al dente will allow it to absorb the mussel broth without becoming mushy. For an added spicy kick, consider incorporating crushed red pepper, which provides a flavorful heat. Pair this dish with a fresh Vermentino for a perfect meal!